2022 GMC Yukon vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Lexus GX 460's styling was a testament to its long tenure on the market. Retaining the same basic body shell from a decade ago, it had undergone several updates over the years, including the addition of Lexus' trademark spindle grille in 2014 and a textured insert in 2020. The 2021 model didn't see any new styling changes, but it did come with standard silver 18-inch wheels on the Premium trim level. Despite its age, the GX's tough, aggressive look remained distinctive and appealing to SUV shoppers. However, the interior didn't quite match the exterior's modernity, with wood trim that felt like molded plastic and an abundance of actual plastic. Standard leather upholstery was a plus, but the overall interior quality lagged behind modern luxury SUV standards.

In contrast, the 2022 GMC Yukon embraced chrome to stand out in a crowded market. Even the base SLE model featured enough shiny elements to give it a premium look, while the Denali trim took it to another level with a front end almost entirely constructed of chrome. The Denali's vast, multi-dimensional grille resembled an industrial-sized cheese grater but worked well to give the vehicle a commanding presence. The AT4 trim offered a unique look with a dark grille, skid plate, and red recovery hooks. Inside, the Yukon provided a spacious and tastefully crafted cabin with standard seating for eight and available second-row captain's chairs. The Denali trim boasted four exclusive interior designs, adding layers and textures for a premium feel.

The 2021 Lexus GX kept it simple with a single powertrain option: a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The GX 460's performance was a throwback to an earlier era of SUVs, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.8 seconds. However, its 5,130-pound weight made higher-speed maneuvers and stopping a challenge. The body-on-frame construction resulted in a less refined ride quality, with noticeable body roll and low grip in corners. Despite these drawbacks, the GX excelled in off-road capability, featuring a Torsen center differential, standard 4WD with a low range, and several driver aids like hill-descent control and hill-start assist. The optional Off-Road Package added even more features for tackling rough terrain. The GX 460 had a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 pounds.

The 2022 GMC Yukon offered a choice of three engines, including a 5.3-liter V8 with 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet, and a 3.0-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder engine with 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Yukon could be configured with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, with the AT4 trim exclusively offering 4WD. The Yukon's maximum towing capacity was 8,400 pounds with the 5.3-liter engine and the Max Trailering Package. The Denali trim, equipped with the 6.2-liter V8, had an 8,200-pound tow rating. The recent redesign introduced independent rear suspension, improving ride quality and handling. The optional air ride adaptive suspension further enhanced the ride, especially on highways and off-road.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior ergonomics revealed its age, with an upright dashboard and high center console that limited legroom. The steering wheel's odd angle and tall seating position made it feel like driving a bus. However, the dashboard shape and boxy profile provided excellent outward visibility. Storage space was limited, with small center-console bins and cupholders. The GX came standard with three rows of seating for seven, but the third row was best suited for children and difficult to access. Cargo space was also limited, with only 64.7 cubic feet available with the second and third rows folded.

The 2022 GMC Yukon addressed previous shortcomings with a redesign that increased third-row legroom by more than 10 inches and cargo space behind the third row to 25.5 cubic feet. The second-row seats folded flat, and power fold-and-tumble bucket seats were available for easier access to the third row. The power-folding third-row seats were a convenient feature. The Denali trim offered a power-sliding center console with hidden storage, adding to the vehicle's practicality. Power-retractable, illuminated assist steps made getting in and out easier, though they could be tricky to avoid in wet conditions. The pushbutton transmission controls took some getting used to but eventually became second nature.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, with standard Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant connectivity but no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The infotainment system's graphics were outdated, and the touchscreen offered limited functionality. However, analog controls for most functions provided a user-friendly interface.

The 2022 GMC Yukon came with a 12-inch reconfigurable driver information center, a 15-inch multi-color head-up display, and a 10.2-inch touchscreen with Google Built-In. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, wireless phone charging, and an available WiFi hotspot. The Denali trim featured a Bose 14-speaker audio system and a rear-seat media system with dual 12.6-inch LCD HD touchscreens. The system was compatible with various media formats, though adapters were needed for some devices.

The 2021 Lexus GX came with the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. However, it lacked some advanced safety features found in other Lexus and Toyota models. The GX had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2022 GMC Yukon featured GMC's Pro Safety suite, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Pro Safety Plus package added lane-change alert, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear park assist. The Safety Alert Seat and adjustable rear camera mirror enhanced safety further. The Yukon received a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, with five stars for side crash protection and three stars for rollover resistance. IIHS had not yet tested the current-generation Yukon.